New York Yankees: 5 Takeaways from Masahiro Tanaka's 1st-Half Performance

This winter, the New York Yankees took a chance by signing Japanese star MasahiroTanaka to a seven-year contract worth $155 million (according to New York's Daily News). Tanaka hasn't been here long, but there are five big takeaways from his performance so far.

Tanaka Is the Yankees' Ace

This may not seem like a bold statement now, but at the beginning of the season Tanaka was the third starter in the rotation. After injuries to CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda and Ivan Nova, the Yankees needed HirokiKuroda and Tanaka to step up in their place.

Unfortunately for the Yankees, Kuroda has been mediocre this season, posting a 4-5 record with a 4.23 ERA.

With three pitchers hurt, and another pitcher underperforming, Tanaka has carried this club.

MasahiroTanaka 15 straight quality starts this season, tied for 2nd most to begin a career in MLB history

If he continues this pace, he will throw 229.2 innings by the end of the year. Even in Japan, he was known for having a rubber arm.

According to Newsday, Tanaka once threw 160 pitches in Game 6 of the Japan Series this past November.

Tanaka's endurance may be tantalizing, but the Yankees must refrain from overusing their Japanese star.

Tanaka Is a Cy Young Candidate

Almost halfway through the season, Tanaka has the lowest ERA (2.11) and most wins (11) in the AL. Normally having a spot on the Yankees rotation benefits a pitcher, but this year their offense has been mediocre.

According to ESPN, the Yankees rank 15th in team batting average, and 20th in runs scored.